Graph-based integrated production and intermodal transport scheduling with capacity restrictions

This research proposes a two-layered supply chain model consisting of a set of clients and suppliers for dynamic supply chain management considering production and transportation scheduling problems. The model provides a method to optimize both production schedules and transportation schedules simultaneously, in order to estimate suitable prices and delivery times of products. A prototype of simulation system for dynamic supply chain management was developed and some computational experiments were carried out in order to verify the effectiveness of the model. Experimental results show that the prototype system is available to determine suitable production schedules and transportation schedules from the viewpoint of the number of contracted orders and the cost for wasteful shipping.

This chapter presents an application of discrete event simulation to an intermodal supply chain, based on Ro-Ro ships. This type of supply chains is affected by a significant number of uncertainties related to the bookings and the performance of the terminals, land transport and maritime transport. The combination of these uncertainties often leads to reliability issues which contribute to the reluctance of logistics companies in using intermodal transport. A discrete event simulation model is presented in this chapter to assess the overall reliability of such intermodal transport operations, based on a weekly schedule for the Ro-Ro ship, subject, however, to some uncertainty on actual departure time. The simulation model also represents in detail the operation of ships in the route, including mechanical problems and bad weather effects, the truck traffic between the terminals and the cargo origins and destinations, evaluating schedule compliance under uncertainty, the delays that can occur on the delivery of cargo units at the terminals, the ship’s occupation indicators and the overall reliability of the system. A comprehensive assessment of the economic performance of the system is also carried out and conclusions are drawn.

Background: Blockchain technology (BCT) is widely recognised for its potential to transform supply chain (SC) operations by enhancing SC transparency, hence fostering trust among SC partners. However, most empirical research has explored its direct impact through conceptual and causal models, while limited studies have explored how SC professionals themselves perceive the role of BCT in strengthening SC transparency and trust among SC partners, especially within emerging economies.Objectives: This study explores the perceptions of SC professionals regarding BCT technology, SC transparency and trust. The focus is on understanding how practitioners interpret the relational value of BCT in the context of emerging economies, with Egypt serving as a representative case.Method: This study employs an exploratory quantitative research approach through a quantitative method that utilises surveys to collect data from 63 SC professionals working in organisations operating in Egypt.Results: Findings confirm that professionals perceive BCT as a tool that positively influences both SC trust and SC transparency, with SC transparency partially mediating the relationship between BCT and trust. However, SC transparency alone does not fully explain trust-building, highlighting the importance of other BCT features such as immutability, traceability and smart contracts.Conclusion: This study reveals that SC professionals in emerging economies perceive BCT as a multifaceted trust-enabling mechanism, operating through SC transparency and other technological affordances.Contribution: By capturing practitioners’ perceptions, this study offers exploratory observations about the perceived relationship among BCT, SC transparency and trust, offering evidence-based understanding from an emerging economy perspective. The findings inform both academics and managers on how BCT’s perceived benefits can shape future trust-oriented SC practices.

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to explore the investment of supply chain technology-to-performance path relationship through the lens of the resource-based view (RBV) as illuminated by the organizational learning literature.Design/methodology/approach– This study surveyed top-level managers who are registered members of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals.Findings– Using factor analysis and OLS regression on 300+ supply chain professionals, this study confirms that investments in both enterprise- and radio frequency identification (RFID)-specific knowledge management (KM) tools yield substantial benefits to the firm’s knowledge management system (KMS) which is the dependent path to higher supply chain performance.Research limitations/implications– This sample was taken with supply chain professionals who are more likely to value supply chain investments as part of their responsibility.Practical implications– The authors believe that the empirical study on supply chain investment from a resource-based perspective will contribute to the ongoing RBV theoretical discussions while providing insights for practitioners in the realm of supply chain investment.Originality/value– Every investment in supply technology should be driven by an understanding of the inextricably inter-connectedness of knowledge management capabilities and the firm’s ability to effectively implement its corporate strategies. By emphasizing the inter-connection between knowledge management and supply chain technology investments, firms improve their potential for developing a competitive advantage.

Production planning and scheduling problems emphasize the need for the availability of management tools that can help to assure proper service levels to customers, maintaining, at the same time, the production costs at acceptable levels and maximizing the utilization of the production facilities. In this case, a production scheduling problem that arises in the context of the activities of a company dedicated to the manufacturing of furniture for children and teenagers is addressed. Two bicriteria metaheuristic procedures are proposed to solve the sequencing problem in a production equipment that constitutes the bottleneck of the production process of the company. The production scheduling problem can be characterized as a general flow shop with sequence dependant setup times and additional inventory constraints. Two objectives are simultaneously taken into account when the quality of the candidate solutions is evaluated: the minimization of completion time of all jobs, or makespan, and the minimization of the total flow time of all jobs. Both procedures are based on a local search strategy that responds to the structure of the simulated annealing metaheuristic. In this case, both metaheuristic approaches generate a set of solutions that provides an approximation to the optimal Pareto front. In order to evaluate the performance of the proposed techniques a series of experiments was conducted. After analyzing the results, it can be said that the solutions provided by both approaches are adequate from the viewpoint of the quality as well as the computational effort involved in their generation. Nevertheless, a further refinement of the proposed procedures should be implemented with the aim of facilitating a quasi‐automatic definition of the solution parameters.

The goal of this book is to gain a clear picture of the current status and future challenges with regard to the digitalization of the supply chain – from the perspective of the suppliers, the manufacturers, and the customers. They were the target groups of the book. Digitization has touched upon all aspects of businesses, including supply chains. Technologies such as RFID, GPS, and sensors have enabled organizations to transform their existing hybrid (combination of paper-based and IT-supported processes) supply chain structures into more f lexible, open, agile, and collaborative digital models. Unlike hybrid supply chain models, which have resulted in rigid organizational structures, unobtainable data, and disjointed relationships with partners, digital supply chains enable business process automation, organizational flexibility, and digital management of corporate assets. In order to reap maximum benefits from digital supply chain models, it is important that companies internalize it as an integral part of the overall business model and organizational structure. Localized disconnected projects and silo-based operations pose a serious threat to competitiveness in an increasingly digital world. The technologies discussed in this text – artificial intelligence, 3D printing, Internet of things, etc. – are beginning to come together to help digitize, automate, integrate, and improve the global supply chains. It’s certainly an exciting and challenging time for both new supply chain professionals and long-time supply chain professionals.

The main scope of this paper is the implementation of a method for production scheduling, using advanced model checking tools. This method makes use of timed automata to model complex production scheduling problems such as the job-shop and the open-shop scheduling problems. By modelling scheduling problems using timed automata, feasible schedules correspond to paths in the automata, while finding the optimum schedule corresponds to finding the shortest path in an automaton. Several algorithms and heuristics have been proposed for finding the shortest paths in timed automata, which are mainly based on the implementation of graph algorithms that search the transition graph. In our work, an advanced model design and checking tool, called UPPAAL, has been used to implement and test the above method on a number of different models and to show the effectiveness of such an approach in terms of finding optimal or near to optimal, schedules in polynomial time, even for large-scale problems.

Striving for new business opportunities automotive original equipment manufacturers established overseas plants in emerging markets and global manufacturing networks evolved. In this regard so-called knocked down supply chains have been the key for the establishment of successful overseas operations. Importing all parts required from the original plants in form of easy to be handled kits secures a high product quality and stable supply despite lacking qualification of local workforce and supplier bases. Over time the overseas plants and global manufacturing networks have matured by increasingly taking over value adding processes and integrating local suppliers. However, the supply chain structure and management have not been adapted accordingly and still comprise high inventory buffers and lead times. There is little research on the integrated design of global manufacturing networks and knocked down supply chains. This research aims to contribute to close this research gap by means of a cross-case study with six globally operating OEMs investigating the fit of knocked down supply chains and global manufacturing networks. On the basis of transaction cost theory, we develop an integrated framework to align global manufacturing networks and knocked down supply chain design that can serve as guideline to open logistics performance and cost potentials.

PurposeProper management of supplies and their delivery greatly affects the competitiveness of companies. This paper aims to propose an integrated decision-making approach for integrated transportation and production scheduling problem in a two-stage supply chain. The objective functions are minimizing the total delivery tardiness, production cost and the emission by suppliers and vehicles and maximizing the production quality.Design/methodology/approachFirst, the mathematical model of the problem is presented. Consequently, a new algorithm based on a combination of the genetic algorithm (GA) and the VIKOR method in multi-criteria decision-making, named GA-VIKOR, is introduced. To evaluate the efficiency of GA-VIKOR, it is implemented in a pharmaceutical distribution company located in Iran and the results are compared with those obtained by the previous decision-making process. The results are also compared with a similar algorithm which does not use the VIKOR method and other algorithm mentioned in the literature. Finally, the results are compared with the optimized solutions for small-sized problems.FindingsResults indicate the high efficiency of GA-VIKOR in making decisions regarding integrated production supply chain and transportation scheduling.Research limitations/implicationsThis research aids the manufacturers to minimize their total delivery tardiness and production cost and at the same time maximize their production quality. These improve the customer satisfaction as a part of social and manufacturer’s power of competitiveness. Furthermore, the emission minimizing objective functions directly provides benefits to the environment and the society.Originality/valueThis paper investigates a new supply chain scheduling the problems and presents its mathematical formulation. Moreover, a new algorithm is introduced to solve the multi-objective problems.

This dissertation focuses on understanding the impact of systems thinking on supply chain management. The first essay presents a systematic literature review, examining the current state of systems thinking research within the context of supply chain management. It explores the similarities and differences in various studies, identifies research gaps, and outlines future opportunities in the field. The second essay investigates the current state of systems thinking in individuals working in supply chains at different stages of their careers. This is achieved through the use of a specially created game called the systems thinking game. The game is designed to assess and enhance systems thinking skills among supply chain professionals. The findings from this study provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of interactive learning tools in developing systems thinking abilities and suggest ways to incorporate these tools into professional development programs. The third essay explores the holistic management of supply chain complexity, emphasizing its critical impact on business performance, including lead times, costs, and operational efficiencies. It highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to foster innovation and adaptability in response to rapid market changes and technological advancements. By addressing detail and dynamic complexities and leveraging advanced information systems, the essay demonstrates how holistic management and technical skills can enhance decision-making processes, leading to improved supply chain performance and resilience. Overall, this dissertation aims to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications of systems thinking in supply chain management, providing a holistic approach to understanding and managing supply chain complexities.

세계적으로 물류의 중요성이 증대되고 있으며, 물류산업의 발전과 더불어 학생과 근로자의 수가 증가하였다. 세계적인 물동량의 증가와 물류수요의 증대로 인해 많은 사람들이 물류에 종사하게 되었고, 물류산업은 지속적으로 성장하고 있다. 본 논문은 호주의 물류에 대한 현재와 미래의 인력확보와 산업발전에 따른 대응 전략을 연구하였다. 호주의 물류산업과 연관된 경제, 노동력 및 무역에 관한 거시적인 배경 에서부터 공급망에 대한 인식과 물류산업의 장래 고용전망을 알아보고 이에 대응하여 공급망관리에서 요구하는 능력과 기술에 대해 연구하 였다. 호주는 2017년 세계에서 13번째로 큰 경제 대국이며 호주의 노동력은 세계에서 가장 교육받고 다문화적이고 다국어를 구사하는 나라 중하나이다. 호주의 근로자는 우수한 교육 시스템, 우수한 과학 연구 기관 및 전문 교육 서비스의 가용성으로 인해 고도로 숙련되어 있다. 이들을 대상으로 물류에 대한 호감도를 조사한 자료에 의하면 학생들이 다른 직업에 비해 섹시하지 않다고 생각하고 있고, 직업상담사들도 트럭과 창고 분야를 그렇게 보기 때문에 공급망 이미지는 문제가 있다고 본다. 그 이유는 낮은 급여와 저평가된 산업 이미지, 노령인구의 증가와 자격증 획득에 필요한 시간과 비용의 문제와 조직에서의 경쟁을 들었다. 그러나 산업의 발전에 따라 물류관련 전문인력의 증가가 예상되는데 앞으로 어떠한 기술과 지식과 능력을 갖춘 인재를 육성해야 하는지에 대해서 연구하였다. 본 논문은 호주의 물류 및 공급망 전문가의 개발에 관한 연구이다.The importance of logistics is increasing worldwide. With the development of the logistics industry, the number of students and workers has increased. Due to the increase in world trade volume and the increase in logistics demand, many people are engaged in logistics, and the logistics industry is growing steadily. This paper deals with the current and future manpower securing the development of Australian logistics industry. From the macroeconomic backgrounds of the economy, labor and trade associated with the Australian logistics industry, we have identified the supply chain perception and future employment prospects for the logistics industry and have studied the capabilities and skills required in supply chain management in response. According to the data on the favorability of logistics, it is seen that students do not think that they are sexy compared to other jobs, and career advisors also see trucks and warehouses. The reasons are low Wages and poor industrial image, increased aging population, time and cost of acquiring qualifications and competition in organizations. However, as the industry develops, it is expected to increase the number of skilled manpower related to logistics. We have studied what kind of skills, knowledge and abilities are needed. This paper deals with the development of Australian logistics and supply chain Professionals.

Improving management of vaccine supply chains: A multi-methods evaluation of vSTEP in Zambia

Deglobalization, the process through which economic agents are increasingly severing their international economic links and relocating economic activity toward their domestic economies, has been affecting supply chains spanning the globe. In the face of major economic and political challenges, companies have always been redesigning their networks through which inputs are sourced, products are manufactured, and customer demand is satisfied. While the literature has addressed the traditional complexities arising from market volatility, cost differentials and emerging technologies, further guidance is needed on the impact of government policies for companies operating on a global scale. It is therefore necessary to identify the forces that drive deglobalization and understand how they shape the evolution of global supply chains. Anchored on the global value chain framework from macroeconomics, political science, international business, and operations management, we construct and validate systems dynamics models to assess the evolution of global supply chains where decisions taken at the macro and strategic levels would act as constraints or enablers at the tactical level. We observe that, independent from any other forces, the landed cost advantage, which was the principal driver of offshoring decisions, gets eroded over time through both higher competition and convergence of wages. Moreover, as competition shifts towards higher responsiveness, offshored facilities find themselves at a greater disadvantage. Political pressure in terms of tariffs and sanctions as well as management control in terms of ownership restrictions and the challenges in enforcing the rule of law reduce the attractiveness of offshoring. The rate at which offshoring decisions are reversed, however, depends on the complexity of both the manufacturing asset and the sophistication of the local ecosystem. Finally, political pressure does not necessarily lead to reshoring; nearshoring, the transfer of manufacturing facilities to a territory closer to the final market, emerges as a viable alternative. In short, these findings signal a slow transition from global to regional supply chains. As a result, supply chain professionals and policy makers are urged to adopt a broader perspective that incorporates the impact of operational, strategic, and geo-political parameters on the entire supply network in their decision or policy making processes. Going forward, emerging technologies and sustainability considerations will continue setting the boundary conditions within which global supply chains will continue to evolve. • The landed cost advantage, which was the principal driver of offshoring decisions, gets eroded over time through both higher competition and convergence of wages. Political pressure as well as restrictions in management control further reduce the attractiveness of offshoring. • The rate at which offshoring decisions are reversed depends on the complexity of both the manufacturing asset and the sophistication of the local ecosystem. • Political pressure does not necessarily lead to reshoring; nearshoring, the transfer of manufacturing facilities to a territory closer to the final market, emerges as a viable alternative. We therefore observe a slow transition from global to regional supply chains. • Emerging technologies and sustainability considerations will continue setting the boundary conditions within which global supply chains will continue to evolve.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between green supply chain management and supply chain quality integration on environmental performance. A quantitative approach was adopted for this study; a multi-item measurement scale was adapted from previous studies to collect primary data—the total number of 212 responses from supply chain professionals were collected. Descriptive analysis along with the correlation examination was utilized to test the hypothesis. It was observed that all the hypotheses (H1, H2, H3, and H4) were supported. Customer green purchasing, green customer cooperation, supplier quality integration, and customer quality integration were found significantly related to the environmental performance. So the study concluded that implementing green supply chain management practices in the firm is beneficial and it enhances the firm's environmental performance. This detailed research analysis will play an active role for the supply chain executives in taking effective decisions that will ultimately enhance environmental performance. This research study will facilitate the managers and all decision makers by providing directions and guidance for improving the level of performance of the environment.

In supply chain management manufacturing flow lines consist of two or more work areas, arranged in series and/or in parallel, with intermediate storage areas. The first work area processes raw items and the last work area produces end items or products, which are stored in a storage area in anticipation of future demand. Firstly managers should analyze and organize the long term production optimizing the production planning of the supply chain. Secondly, they have to optimize the short term production analyzing and organizing the production scheduling of the supply chain and finally taking under consideration the stochasticity of the real world, managers have to analyze and organize the performance of the supply chain adopting the best control policy. In supply chain management production planning is the process of determining a tentative plan for how much production will occur in the next several time periods, during an interval of time called the planning horizon. Production planning also determines expected inventory levels, as well as the workforce and other resources necessary to implement the production plans. Production planning is done using an aggregate view of the production facility, the demand for products and even of time (ex. using monthly time periods). Production planning is commonly defined as the cross-functional process of devising an aggregate production plan for groups of products over a month or quarter, based on management targets for production, sales and inventory levels. This plan should meet operating requirements for fulfilling basic business profitability and market goals and provide the overall desired framework in developing the master production schedule and in evaluating capacity and resource requirements. In supply chain management production scheduling defines which products should be produced and which products should be consumed in each time instant over a given small time horizon; hence, it defines which run-mode to use and when to perform changeovers in order to meet the market needs and satisfy the demand. Large-scale scheduling problems arise frequently in supply chain management where the main objective is to assign sequence of tasks to processing units within certain time frame such that demand of each product is satisfied before its due date. For supply chain systems the aim of control is to optimize some performance measure, which typically comprises revenue from sales less the costs of inventory and those